Like what I've said in my previous blog entry, I went all the way to Siargao to swim in the Stingless Jellyfish Lake in Bucas Grande. Oh yes, these stingless jellyfish can alse be seen here in the Philippines, not just in Palau.

stingless jellyfish and our extremely close encounter

Donnie and I we're still overwhelmed with the paradise beaches in Siargao, but our hearts knew we're up to greater things on that trip. Naks, may ganun. The highlight of this trip would be our island hopping in Sohoton, Bucas Grande. To give you an idea, here's a map of Bucas Grande Island and Siargao Island. Both are parts of the province Surigao Del Norte.

To make it more awesome, a co-blogger and a local of Socorro - Mr. Edelito Sangco of Island Vacations, sponsored our Bucas Grande island hopping tour, the food all throughout our stay, a night accommodation in his budget yet quality inn, and of course the priceless hospitality (and generosity) of him and his family. I can't thank this man enough. Donnie would willingly perform a dance craze for that delicious Lobster dinner again. Thank you po sir Ed.

sir Ed with the ladies of Mindanaonice meeting all of you!

Normally, Bucas Grande island hopping rate would range from P3,000 and up if you're coming from Surigao City or Hayanggabon, P1,500 if you're coming from Socorro town. The boat can accommodate 10 people or more.

It was a rainy morning but everyone had high hopes that the weather will cooperate. Thank goodness it did. We saw nothing but jaw-dropping sights, at its finest colors.

we just got started and I was already breathlesssir Ed mentioned it was just a normal sight in Bucas Grande

Indeed it was. And I died of envy. For a moment I imagined how lucky the locals of Siargao are.For our first spot, sir Ed lead us to Bolitas Cave. The way to get inside is already the adventure. The cave opening is small, some stalactites and stalagmites might hurt your head and body, and of course there's not much air and light inside the cave. Intense! Donnie and I were challenged to do it. Deadma na madumihan at masugatan.

Sohoton Cave, an effortless cave to see

It would only take 5-10 mins crawl inside Bolitas Cave, but it was really challenging. Donnie and I were fulfilled to see these stalactites and stalagmites up close.

i crawled, bruised myself, and kissed the dust - just to pass thru this small openingweird looking shapes eh? ^-^

we passed thru caves and the guide told us some info about each placedi ko talaga narinig, fyi mahina ang pandinig ko

Then there's this spot where the guides would ask the guests who's willing to jump off the cliff. Di naman kataasan so it's immediately a go for me. Im surprised with Donnie because he did that too. Note: hindi sya marunong lumangoy pero tumalon sya without a lifevest.

Seriously, Im really proud of him. Matapang ang may life insurance neng?Moving on, we went back to the tourism office. It's finally time for my much awaited part of the tour - stingless jellyfish time! Each person is assigned to a boatman. We will only be using paddle boats this time, no motor boats allowed for the stingless jellyfish lake. One more thing, we were instructed to remove our life vests. Later on I found out that guests are not allowed to swim in the lake anymore.

way to the kingdom of stingless jellyfish

in the boat with me were sir Ed and his sonthanks Nath for the shot

Sir Ed talked to the boatmen to allow me to jump off the boat. I begged to them as well. This experience wouldn't be complete if I could only see them above the water. Finally, the boatmen agreed. Sid Ed's son and I jumped off the boat in no time. Excited mode!

it's just very amazing that there are friendly and stingless jellyfish here in the Philippines

this experience is nothing but surrealanother item down in my To Do List

According to sir Ed, from April-June is the best time when you can find these stingless jellyfish. On rainy season, they are rare to be find. Please ask him first, or other locals if you're planning to go. This jellyfish attraction is only seasonal.

Our group had lunch in one of the beaches. I didn't bother to ask the name of the beach, gutom na ko. Lunch c/o sir Ed and his family.

After our lunch and siesta, we headed to the high end resort Club Tara. It seemed that his Korean-owned resort is already part of the standard itinerary in Bucas Grande. Entrance is free of charge for day tour guests. A room costs P10,000 per night for Filipinos, and P15,000 a night for foreigners.

watch guard spots

Club Tara

isolated resort in Bucas Grande

This resort is isolated, and it has no shore. Guests can do kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling all day. Easy access to the crystal clear water. On the other hand, the place didn't look very outstanding. There's a pool but it was unmaintained. Im not convinced to spend P10,000 for a night here.

accommodations in Club Tara, up-close

I really wanted to do more snorkeling but we're already out of route. Sayang naman. Nevertheless, I cant complain even a bit. The good heavens granted us good weather, calm waves, and the opportunity to see His outstanding creations.

This Siargao trip is surely one of the best trips I've done this year. Donnie and I we're already satisfied that we didn't mind skipping Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig. Very out of way and time consuming. Maybe next time, when I come back. I just need to score some cheap airfare to Siargao or Surigao. If not, some good thailand flights will surely delight me as well!

Like everyone else, I first thought that Siargao is only the conyo version of Surigao. ^_^Good thing I was enlightened that Siargao Island is really a part of the province Surigao Del Norte.

So what's to see in the island of Siargao?

the paradise beaches in Dako, Naked, and Guyam Islands

the world-class surfing spot in Cloud 9

and the stingless jellyfish in Bucas Grandethis alone already convinced me to go!

I asked my kaladkarin travel blogger friend Donnie to join me and explore his very first Mindanao destination. Since the direct flights to Siargao from Manila is super expensive, and Surigao flights are very rare on sale, we booked Manila-Butuan flights instead. This means a 1.5-hour plane ride to Butuan, a 3-hour bus ride to Surigao City, a 2-hour boat ride to Dapa, and a 40-min habal-habal ride to General Luna. Joy ride!

finally reaching Siargaothe luxury of being jobless, we have all the time to travel ♥

Upon arriving in General Luna, we immediately started our island hopping activity. The 3 most famous and nearest islands are the target. The standard rate is P1,500 for the boat rental.

Naked IslandCalled so because the island is bare. No trees and nipa huts are found in Naked Island. This pristine island is composed of fine white sands and some rocks. Isolated and untouched beauty it is.

approaching the naked island

paradise beach #1 in Siargao

donnie and I enjoying the island all by ourselves

we're so tempted to swim but there isn't a place to change clothes

the blogger in action

Dako IslandThis beach made me confused, it's so beautiful that I surely had to re-arrange my rankings for the best beaches in the Philippines.

crystal clear waterso you sailed away.. sume-senti! ^_^

fine and white sand

paradise beach #2 in Siargao

Donnie and I were both so delighted that we immediately changed to our swim outfits. But first, pictorial of course. There are no other tourists but us!

coconut trees = instant coconut juice

my much wanted shaded area

every color, every hue..

We didn't bother to have our lunch as we're more excited to dip into the water.

This beach currently ranks 4th in my top beaches list. I will create a separate blog entry for that, soon!

Guyam IslandThe favorite island for overnight trips. Many locals say this is their favorite. As for Donnie and I, our hearts still belong to Dako Island.

crystal clear water of Guyam Island

huts and open-cottages are available for the overnight stay

paradise beach #3 in Siargao

We had our lunch here and soaked again into the water.This island hopping activity in Siargao made me more overwhelmed how beautiful the Philippines is. Agree?

Cloud 9Donnie and I transferred to Cloud 9, the world class surfing spot in the Philippines. We saw more foreigners in this area more than Pinoy tourists. Places like these make me feel proud that tourists all over the world hassle themselves just to reach this little place. Cloud 9 must be really good. And indeed, it was.

almost sunset time

the famous boardwalk at Cloud 9

We were kinda surprised that spectators need to walk in this boardwalk to watch the surfers do some tricks. Ang layo! Here in Luzon surfing spots, the waves, swell, and break points are just some meters away from the shore. Oh well, the newbie in me was just surprised.

the boardwalk and the viewing area

the 9-shaped waves are the playground of these dare devil surfers

Since it was already dark, Donnie and I decided to take our surfing lessons on the next morning. For that night, we stayed at Point 303, one of the cheap yet decent accommodations in Cloud 9 area. The spacious fan room with ensuite bathroom costs us P750. Not bad. For sure there are other cheaper accommodations around, pero tinatamad na kami maghanap ng iba. Toinks!

the morning after, surfing time!

Surfing lessons costs P500/hour, inclusive of the boat rental. It's a bit pricier compared to the lessons in Baler and La Union. With all due respect, I like it more how the surf teachers in Luzon give instructions to newbies.

Since there are designated surfing areas for newbies and pros, I didn't really feel the waves that form the shape 9. The spot for newbies are not challenging at all. Boring siya. And I hate the rocks in the sea bed. Ang sakit sa paa. With all due respect, I liked Baler more. I struggled for my life everytime I surf. Haha

Overall, it was overwhelming to finally reach Siargao and see the paradise beaches and surf in the world famous Cloud 9. Thanks to Nathalie of My Wandering Soles for assisting us all throughout. See you in Manila, i-tour kita sa 168 Mall and Tutuban. ^_^